Phlebotomist Salary

The median annual phlebotomist salary is $31,000, or $15 per hour in the United States. Those working in the top 10th percentile can expect a slightly more comfortable yearly salary of $37,000 or higher. This means they’d be making at least $18 an hour. Those working in the lower 10th percentile can only expect to make about $25,000, which is $12 an hour. Many will see even less than this. The middle 50% will see anywhere from $13 to $16 an hour. This allows them to take home between $28,000 and $34,000 every year.

There is only about a $10,000 per year difference between the best paying phlebotomists and the worst. Things that may account for this difference may include experience and location. This is seen in many other career fields. The more experienced a phlebotomist, the higher the pay-grade. Certification also creates a higher income. Different states and different employers often offer different salaries, but that is the norm with so many careers.

After benefits, a phlebotomist can expect to take home their salary plus a compensation package. This will equal on average about $47,000. Benefits may include social security, pension, health care benefits, and paid time off, among others.

Job Description of a Phlebotomist

The phlebotomist’s main purpose is to serve patients by preparing specimens for laboratory testing. They may also perform screening procedures.

The phlebotomist will also have to obtain blood samples for testing by using either venipuncture or finger sticks. Phlebotomists may also monitor glucose levels in patients by performing bedside glucose tests. Many other simple tests may be administered by the phlebotomist.

How to become a phlebotomist

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In 2017, workers with a bachelor's degree or higher had almost twice as muchmedian earnings per week than workers with only a high school diploma*.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

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While it is not required, aspiring phlebotomists may choose to go through with college and receive either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. With this degree in hand, a phlebotomist may hope to climb the medical ladder and gain a higher position with more experience. The positions available for moving up include medical assistants or lab technicians.

Phlebotomist Salaries in Other Countries (UK, Canada and Australia)

The average salary for a phlebotomist in other countries is not much better than here in the United States. Canadian phlebotomists can expect a salary of about C$28,000 per year. Phlebotomists working in Australia may expect a little better. Their salaries can reach up to AU$37,000 annually.

Phlebotomists working in the United Kingdom (UK) face roughly the same salary. About £16,000 can be earned annually on average. When converted to U.S. dollars, that equals about $25,000. This is near the starting range for a phlebotomist in the United States.

Verdict on Phlebotomist Salary

The going might be a little tough for these professionals. The schooling is very limited, and the career can begin after less than a year of training. While this equals a fast-track into the working world and earlier opportunities to earn money, a phlebotomist salary will not be so wonderful in the long run. It will be hard to move up in the medical field without more education. The starting salaries are low, and they remain relatively low. However, for someone who knows college just isn’t the right environment for them, this could be a lucrative career choice. Rather than face a ton of student loans, you can begin professional work with only a couple thousand out of pocket, if that. That may be worth it in the long run.